Khandala - India HillTop Trips - Cool and pleasant weekend trips

Once visited never forgotten, Khandala is a hill station, which dazzles the visitors with its spectacular scenery, verdant hills, deep green valleys, beautiful lakes and waterfall. Situated at a height of 625 mt in the Sahyadri hills, this hill resort of immense beauty is popular weekend gateway from the hectic life of Mumbai.

Hill Resort | Elevation | Travel | Season | Tourist places | Accommodation | Location | Khandala Map

The Hill Resort

Khandala is one of the important hill stations in the state of Maharashtra and is the pride of the Sahyadri Mountains. Khandala is endowed with abundant natural beauty and like Lonavala, it is also provides a popular gateway from the hustle and bustle of cities of Mumbai and Pune. The picturesque green surroundings of this pretty hill station attract the travelers towards it.

Khandala is a small hill station. The town provides a panoramic view of the lush green hilly environs. Travelers throng this place to escape the hectic lifestyle of Mumbai city. They can enjoy the scenic beauty of this place by taking a walk around. It has a number of trekking trails around it.

History

The origin of Khandala is shrouded in obscurity. The hill resort formed part of the territory of the great Maratha leader Chattrapati Shivaji, who is credited with organizing the Maratha into a military power. Later it came under the rule of the Peshwa, during whole reign Maratha power reached its zenith. Khandala was taken by the British from the hands of the Peshwas who subsequently lost power to the British.

Activities

Trekking and hiking in Peru will be and unforgettable experience. Khandala is a paradise for adventure tourists. Here you can indulge in adventure sports like trekking and hiking. It will be an unforgettable experience. The Karla hills and the popular Duke's Nose peak are the ideal places to indulge in rock climbing.

For the adventure tourists there are several trekking and hiking opportunities available in and around Khandala. The Karla hills including the popular Duke's Nose peak offer rock-climbing opportunities for the adventurous tourists.

shopping

Khandala is well known for the fast foods such as Chikkis, Jams, Chiwda, Wafers and various types of Sevs.

Information

Travelers can contact Maharashtra Tourism Development Council or MTDC (Ph: 82230) and get necessary information about trekking and hiking around Khandala.

Elevation

Khandala - 625 mt.

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Location Details

Khandala is located in the western part of the state of Maharashtra, in the western region of India. It is set amongst the hills and valleys of the Sahyadri mountain range. It is situated 101 Km southeast of Mumbai and 69 Km from Pune. It is 5 Km from Lonavala. India Khandala is nestled in the Sahyadri hills. Situated 101 Km southeast of Mumbai and 69 Km from Pune, the hill resort is 5 Km from Lonavala.

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How to Reach There and Distances

Khandala does not have an airport. The nearest airport is at Pune (69 Km) while the nearest railway station is at Lonavala. As Lonavala is on the main railway line between Mumbai (Bombay) and Pune (Poona), all express trains plying between the two cities stop here and travelers can take express trains passing through Lonavala to reach Mumbai and Pune. The travel time from Lonavala to Mumbai in express train is three hours, while it takes one hour from Lonavala to Pune. There is also an hourly shuttle service for Pune (2 hours). Khandala is well connected with Mumbai and Pune by road and the bus service for Pune (travel time 2 1/2 hours) via Lonavala is good. However, it takes about four hours to reach Mumbai from Khandala. Buses shuttle between Khandala and Lonavala (15 minutes). Travelers can also walk down to Lonavala from Khandala.

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Best Season to Visit/Weather

Khandala has a pleasing climate all throughout year. While the hill resort experiences mild temperature during summers (April-June), while winters are cool (November-February). Southwestern monsoon reached Khandala between June and September and produces heavy rains. So it is advisable for the tourists to avoid the rainy season. The best time to visit the hill resort of Khandala is between the months of October and May.

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Tourist places near Khandala

Sites to Visit

A small hill resort, Khandala offers breathtaking views of the green surroundings. The place attracts visitors in a large number throughout the year. The best way to appreciate the amazing scenic beauty of Khandala is by taking a walk around the hill station. You can also indulge in trekking.

You will find the tourist attraction of Amruntanjan point at the Khandala. The mesmerizing view of the beauty of the surroundings from the Dukes Nose is an unforgettable experience.

Apart from being a place of major tourist attractions, Khandala is also a stating point for visiting a number of superb nearby places well worth a visit. Whether you are looking for another hill resort, beautiful lakes or the historical places you can be sure that you won't have far to travel.

Just 5 Km apart is the hill resort of Lonavala, which makes a spectacular tourist destination on its own right. Some of the beautiful lakes near Khandala are the Lonavala Lake, Tugauli Lake and Bhushi Lake. The Walvan Dam near Khandala is also worth visiting.

16 Km from Khandala are the famous tourist attractions of Karla and Bhaja Caves. Situated on the hills these rock-cut caves belonged to 2nd century B.C. and are the oldest and finest examples of Buddhist rock-cut temple art in India.

Sites Nearby

The popular hill station of Lonavala is only 5 Km from Khandala. Lonavala also has the same geographical settings as that of Khandala.

There are a number of lakes around Khandala. Tugauli Lake, Lonavala Lake and Bhushi Lake are worth visiting; so is the Walvan Dam. Karla and Bhaja Caves, located in the hills at a distance of 16 Km from Khandala, are important places to visit. These rock-cut cave temples dating back to 2nd century bc and are amongst the oldest and finest examples of Buddhist rock-cut temple art in India, belonging to the Hinayana sect of Buddhism. Adventure seekers can try their hand at rock climbing at the Duke's Nose peak and other locations in the Karla hills, near Khandala. Travelers coming from Mumbai to Khandala via the Mumbai-Pune highway can see the Duke's Nose with its peculiar peak.

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